A New York man has been convicted of second-degree murder for shooting and murdering a young woman who accidentally drove into his remote driveway.
Kevin Monahan, 66, was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of Kaylin Gillis, 20, according to the Associated Press.
Ms Gillis and her pals pulled into Monahan’s driveway near the Vermont border on a Saturday night last April while looking for another residence.
The gang was about to leave the driveway when Monahan stepped onto his porch and fired a shotgun twice at the automobiles. The second shot struck Ms. Gillis in the neck. She was sitting in the front passenger seat of an SUV driven by her boyfriend.
Monahan’s defense attorneys claimed that the shooting was unintentional and was caused by a malfunctioning handgun. According to WAMC, the lead defense counsel, Art Frost, reiterated the remark “[Monahan’s] gun will fire even when no one pulls the trigger” during the trial.
Just before the final statements, defense counsel Kurt Mausert moved for a mistrial, citing prejudice against his client.
Mr. Mausert contended that the court favored the prosecution, citing alleged instances of coaching during the trial and pre-trial hearings and that the court curtailed his capacity to cross-examine witnesses.
Judge Adam Michelini denied the motion, criticizing Mr Mausert for having a “pretty odd way of interpreting things.”
“In that way, we have something in common,” Mr Mausert responded.
After the guilty judgment was handed down, District Attorney Tony Jordan talked with the media.
“We wanted them to understand that we believed what they were saying. That there is a purpose and that justice will prevail. And our prayer is that they can find that small amount of faith and justice that will allow them to move forward and heal,” he said. “Because, this is not the end for them, and they have a long road ahead of them and we’re hopeful that this is a part of it.”